Gov presented on numerous legal topics affecting agents in the field and briefed the membership on new laws impacting transactions, homeownership and general real estate practices. For those unable to attend, a video of the presentation is now available for viewing (approx 2hr). 

Gov Hutchinson is Assistant General Counsel and Staff Vice President of the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. He has been with C.A.R. since 1985 and manages C.A.R.’s Member Legal Services Program in Los Angeles. Gov advises REALTORS® through the “Hotline” on all aspects of real estate law and trains and supervises other “Hotline” attorneys. Received his Bachelor’s degree in History from Princeton University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. Gov has written for CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE magazine, co-authored C.A.R’s continuing education courses and is a master instructor for the Education Division of C.A.R. with certification from the Department of Real Estate. He also regularly speaks to Associations/Board of REALTORS®, affiliated trade associations, city and county bar associations and major real estate firms. He is also a member of the Real Property Law Sections of the American, California and Los Angeles County Bar Associations.

Most landlord-tenant disputes are a result of inadequate communication.  It is primarily the landlord’s responsibility to communicate clearly.  Why?  Because the landlord typically provides the document that controls the relationship: the lease or rental agreement.

A well-written, clear and concise lease is absolutely vital.  If you are not a professional property manager, you need to do more than download a generic lease off the internet.  “Standard” leases available in stationery stores are typically no better.  They often are missing key elements that are legally required in California leases, like the Megan’s Law database disclosure pertaining to sexual offenders and the lead-based paint disclosure.

If this is the first you’ve heard of those two requirements, you should consider joining a professional association, such as the California Apartment Association.  They provide excellent leases and many other forms and products to help guide you through the maze of regulations that govern landlord-tenant relationships.

When a tenant moves in, provide them with a property condition checklist to document the condition of the home, for the protection of both parties.  Also, the tenant and landlord should each take several pictures of the home before the move-in date so there is a clear record of its condition, to avoid misunderstandings when the tenant vacates.

Steve Gorman, Property Manager
Gorman Real Estate
710 Lighthouse Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA  93950
steve@gormanre.com
www.gormanre.com